• 7 Interesting Facts About the Hanoi Opera House

    Le CongAugust 31, 2023
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    The Hanoi Opera House is a stunning landmark in Hanoi, Vietnam. It is located at the Square of August Revolution, Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District in downtown Hanoi. The building is a testament to the exchange between Vietnamese and Western cultures and arts. It has hosted many important cultural shows and has become a popular attraction for visitors.

    → Visit Hanoi Opera House to get the ticket in advance: Ticketvn

    Photo: Hanoi Opera House back in the day

    The square in front of the opera house was built in the late 19th century and was named after the August Revolution to commemorate the historical milestone in 1945. Other famous architectural works in the area include the National Museum of Vietnamese History, the Hilton Hanoi Opera, and Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.

    Photo: Hanoi Opera House at night (August 2023)

    Fun Facts About the Hanoi Opera House:

    1. The Hanoi Opera House was constructed from 1901 to 1911
    2. The measurements for the structure are as follows: length – 87m (285ft), width – 30m (98ft), with an area of 2,600 m2 (0.6 acres). The seating capacity is 598.
    3. The Opera House was modeled after the Palais Garnier in Paris, France.
    4. The building was constructed during the French colonial era, and it served as a cultural center for French residents of Hanoi. Hanoi Opera House is one of three opera houses that the French built during their time in Indochina, the others are Haiphong Opera House and Municipal Theatre in Ho Chi Minh City.
    5. The cost to build was ₣2 million, equivalent to approximately US$8.4 million in 2011.
    6. The Opera House was damaged during the Vietnam War but was restored to its former glory in the 1990s.
    7. The Hanoi Opera House provides the names for the neighboring Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel which opened in 1999, as well as for the MGallery Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi, which opened in 2011. For historical reasons associated with the Vietnam war, the Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel was not named the Hanoi Hilton.
    8. The Hanoi Opera House is a popular destination for tourists who come to admire its neoclassical architecture and watch performances.
    9. The Opera House is the residence of the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet, which performs both traditional Vietnamese and Western operas and ballets. The National Ballet is also a part of the Opera House company and stages Western classics such as Swan Lake as well as traditional and modern Vietnamese dance productions.

    → Read more: 21 Best Things to Do in Hanoi’s French Quarter – From Famous Local Cafes to Iconic Ice Cream

    Photo: Hanoi Opera House (August 2023)

    Join our Walking Experience in the Hanoi French Quarter and discover the historical and cultural beauty of Hanoi. Our walk will take you through specific areas of Hanoi that are rarely covered by guidebooks, providing in-depth information on the city’s rich history in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

    Video: Hanoi Opera House in the Old Quarter

    During the tour, you’ll have the chance to learn about Vietnamese history while enjoying an authentic cup of Vietnamese coffee at a French villa coffee shop. You’ll also receive a brief overview of French influences in Hanoi and the Vietnam War. The tour includes visits to St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Trang Tien ice cream, Hanoi Opera House, Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Post Office, Trang Tien Street, Hanoi Metropole Hotel, the first university in French Indochina, and many more!

    Our local walking experience has been ranked as the top choice on Airbnb Experience and TripAdvisor. Come join us for a unique and unforgettable journey!